The wettest winter in 20 years in some areas

More snow came to parts of Texas, contributing more moisture to already saturated fields, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service personnel.

It’s the wettest winter many can remember, but for the most part, it's good news, especially after years of drought or near-drought conditions, said some AgriLife Extension agents.

“From what I can gather, talking to people around here, it’s been 20 to 25 years since we’ve had this kind of winter,” said David Graf, AgriLife Extension agent in Sherman County, in the northern Panhandle.

On Feb. 22, the Panhandle got more snow. Though not as severe as the winter blizzard a couple of weeks ago, the snow covered up wheat pasture and made tending livestock difficult, Graf said.

“It’s kind of tough on the guys with livestock, but all producers welcome the moisture,” he said. “It’ll mean they won’t have to pre-water their ground before planting corn. That means a substantial savings.”

Nearly 400 miles to the southeast, it’s also been one of the wettest years in recent history, said Clint Perkins, AgriLife Extension agent in Wood County, north of Tyler.

Perkins said he recorded 63 inches of rain at his house for 2009. The average is about 40 inches. During the first month and half of 2010, the area has received substantial rainfall and snowfalls.

Wood County got from 9 inches to 11 inches in the last snow, which resulted in downed power lines. All fields were muddy, making it hard on livestock producers throughout his region. The cloudy conditions have also stalled winter pasture drought. But all-in-all, it’s better to have too much moisture than too little, he said.